The Main Destination to Experience Silk Road Atmosphere - Turpan - the Fiery Land

A depression enclosed by mountains in eastern Xinjiang （one of main China Travel Destinations）, also called Gushi in ancient times. In the center of the Turpan Depression is the Aydingkol Lake which is 154 meters below sea level, second only the the Dead Sea in Jordan, lowest in the world. The mean temperature there all-year-round is 12.1 degrees to 14.9 degree centigrade, and in the sweltering summer days it rises up to 40 degree centigrade, with a ground temperature as high as 80 degree centigrade. Hence the name the "Fiery Land". As an important post on the northern route of the age-old Silk Road. Turpan has now many spots of interest such as the ancient cities and Jiaohe, Bezeklik Thousand- Buddha Cave, Emin Minaret, Grape Valley and Karez Wells.

Gaochang

Gaochang, an important gateway on the ancient Silk Road, situated near the Flaming Mountain 40 kilometer southeast of Turpan. In the first century, military units of the Western Han Dynasty doing farm work there established a rampart called Gaochangbi. Later, it developed into a political, economic and cultural center along with historical changes. Monk Xuan Zang of Tang Dynasty had preached in the city .
Jiaohe city is located on a river islet in the Yarnez River valley 10 kilometer west of Turpan (a famous China travel destination ). It is 1650 meter long from east to west, 300 meter at the widest, and lined by cliffs 30 meter high. By 200 BC, it was the seat of the imperial court of the Front State of Cheshi, abandoned after 1200. The ancient city is preserved pretty well due to its high location and scanty rainfall. The surviving ruins such as official buildings, pottery kilns, courtyards, temples and pagodas are still distinguishable. The city has been recognized by the UNESCO as one of the world's natural heritage sites.

Karez Wells

Karez Wells - an underground irrigation system created by the local people to improve the arid land, consisting of wells, ditche, underground channels and dams. Water from melted snow is conducted from nearby mountains to the wells which are linked by underground channels. The water outlets of these channels are connected with the ditches, from which the water is used to irrigate the farms.

Emin Minaret

Emin Minaret - the minaret, 37 m high is about 2 km to the southeast of Turpan. A 72-step spiral stairway inside the minaret leads to its top where visitors may have a panoramic view of Turpan. Nearby is a mosque which can accommodate one thousand Moslems for a religious service.
tags: China vacations

Learn about ancient China art via Mogao Grottoes

Located on cliffs 25 km southeast of Dunhuang (one of famous China Travel Destinations), the first cave of Mogao Grottoes was carved out in the year 366 and so far it has a history of more than 1600 years. Artworks of this treasure house cover architectural design, sculptures and murals. Still preserved are 492 caves with 2,415 colored statues and 45,000sq of murals. It is the greatest and most consummate gallery of Buddhist art in the wolrd.

Flying Apsaras
Flying apsaras, described by the Buddhist scriptures as the goddess of fragrance and music, is a scented goddess who plays the musical instrument and dances. They are found in murals in all caves of Mogao.

Colored Sculptures in Mogao Grottoes
The colored statues are divided into four categories, namely buddha including Sakyamuni, Maitreya, Bhaisajyaguru and Amitabha. Bodhisattva, including Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, Samantaghadra and Bodhisattva the Great Pover - Coming; disciples of the Buddha, including Ananda and Kasyapa; and heavenly warriors and earth dieties. All the statues reflcet vividly the characteristics of different period.

Murals of Mogao Caves
The murals of Mogao Grottoes, with Buddhist stories, figures in Buddhist scriptures, stories of natural lives, Buddhist statues, apsaras and decorative patterns and designs as the chief subject matter, reveal the great and profound Buddhist philosophical thinking. They also reflect the life and various societal aspects of China for a period of over 16oo years.
tags: travel to China

The Brief Introduction to Hexi Corridor - the Main Silk Road Route

Hexi Corridor is the main route entering Xinjiang (one of famous China Travel Destinations). It stretches over1,000 kilometer from Wushaoling Mountain westward to the Gansu-Xinjiang board over a vast expanse of the desert, oases and gobi. The landform of the area is shaped like a long corrider, hence Gansu Corridor. Because it is located in the west of Yellow River, so this area is also called Hexi Corridor (by the way, He, in Chinese pinyin means river).

It had been a vital passageway from 2 B.C TO 13 A.D, along which Dunhuang, Jiuquan, Zhangye and Wuwei were important political, economic and cultural exchange centers. Today, the Hexi Corridor is a must on the Silk Road tour as tourists heading westward may enjoy a full view of the beautiful scenery and have glimpse of the ancient civilization, the beaton towers of the Great Wall on the gobi, posts on the Silk Road and sheep flock in the oases and at the foot of snow-capped mountains.

tags: China travel

Learn something about Shanghai History and Culture at the Ancient Shikumen

Shanghai, as the largest metropolis in China, is one of the most popular China Travel Destinations with its glamour of modern and fashion. While the Shanghai history and culture is also something worth exploring for tourists during their Shanghai tours. The ancient Shikumen architectures are a part of Shanghai history and culture and they are definitely great places to get a deep understanding of Shanghai history, culture and local traditional lifestyle.

Shikumen is a unique and typical traditional residential buildings. The origin of Shikumen was dated back to 1860s during the Taiping Revolution when a large number of residents from the neighboring Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces were forced to seek protection in Shanghai’s foreign concession and it was the time Shikumen houses were largely built in the concession to meet the demand.
Shikumen literally means “stone gate” and it got its name because of the stone door frame. The construction of Shikumen combines the architectural styles of both southern China and western countries. A typical Shikumen house is usually a two-floor building constructed with bricks and wood built in narrow alleys, featured with a stone gate frame, wooden doors and a small enclosed front courtyard. The combination of architectural style of China and western countries lies in the Chinese traditional styled interior design and layout with the exterior outlook resembling western-style townhouses.

As one of the best example of the collision of East and West, Shikumen houses became very popular and were largely developed before 1930s. Then with the reconstruction of old area and the development of new residential buildings like Linong residences and large apartment buildings, Shikumen gradually died out. Now there are still about 2 million people living in Shikumen houses. And some of the notable Shikumen neighborhood are Xintiandi, Tianzifang, Shangxianfang, and Jianye Li. There is also a Shikemen Open House Museum which is located in Xintiandi area in Huangpu District in Shanghai(learn more about Shanghai via Shanghai travel guide) presents a house in the traditional Shikumen style.

The construction” techniques of Shikumen lilong architecture” was listed on the national non-physical cultural heritage register by Chinese government in 2010. The Shikumen culture as a cultural feature of Shanghai culture has breed Shanghai modern civilization. Also Shikumen is the witness of many important historical events. For tourists wanting to get some Shanghai cultural experience and see the traditional lifestyle Shikumen is something should not miss out for your China travel.

To enjoy the beauty of nature at Kanas Lake Nature Reserve

The amazing Kanas Lake is a long finger lake pinch in between Mongolia, Russia and Kazakhstan. The local habitants around the lake area are Kazak or Tuvan. Tourists descend on the place like locusts in summer. But it is possibe for your to escape the crowds with a little effort. Many tourists hope for a cameo by the Kanas Lake Monsters.

Entering the reserve area, you need to buy a ticket (student/adult: 120rmb/150rmb). If you don't hiking in the reserve, you can choose to take a tourist bus (90rmb/person, unlimited rides) which carries you 16 kilometers up th canyon to a tourist base. The journey on the bus takes you an hour and includes three photo stops along the way, Crouching Dragon Bay, Moon Bay and Immortal Bay.

At the tourist base, you need to change the bus to Kanas Lake (one of famous China Travel Destinations). You can witness the old houses lining along the road, just past the tourist base. From the final stop, it is about 5-minute walk to the lake. At the lakeshore, you can take a speedboat ride (120rmb, 40 minutes) halfway up the lake. A boardwalk along the shore takes you 4.5 kilometers up the side of the lake to vantage point. It is possible to walk downstream from the dock along the river. The bus terminus is also the starting point for thrilling white water-rafting trips.
Kanas, meaning "beautiful, rich and mysterious" in Mongolian,takes on different colors with gold, red, blue and green in fall. Known for its beautiful natural ecosystem by lakes, rivers, glaciers, forests and grassland, Kanas attracts a number of visitors and settlers to come to the area.

Kanas Lake Natural Reserve is a fairyland to relax and escape the city's hustle and bustle.

By the way the area is only accessible from mid-May to mid-October when the ice and snow make the transportation difficult.

tags: Tour to China

Learn something about Southern Song Dynasty

After the two emperors Zhao Ji and Zhao Heng were captured, Zhao Gou was acclaimed emperor and the Southern Song was established, with its capital in Hangzhou (a famous China travel destination). The Jin troops continued to attack the Southern Song Dynasty but was defeated by two generals Han Shizhong and Yue Fei successively.
Although many Jin-occupied regions were recovered by Yue Fei, Zhao Gou ceded some of them to the Jin Dynasty again in exchange for his mother. He also killed Yue Fei without any reason.
In 1162, Zhao Shen succeeded to the throne and became the second emperor of the Southern Song Dynasty. He made great efforts to manage the state, and the situation of the Southern Song was improved. After his death, his son Zhao Dun took the throne.
Due to mental illness, he abdicated to his son Zhao Kuo. In 1224, Zhao Kuo died and Zhao Yun succeeded the throne. During the reign of Zhao Yun, the Southern Song Dynasty and the Great Mongolian Empire united in destructing the Jin Dynasty.
In 1264, Zhao Yun died and Zhao Qi got the throne. In 1271, Kublai established the Yuan Dynasty. When Zhao Qi died and his son Zhao Xian ascended the throne in 1274, the Southern Song Dynasty had become paralyzed. In 1275, the Yuan troops began to attack the Southern Song again and closed the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty.
In 1276, Zhao Xian abdicated, and his young brother Zhao Shi was acclaimed emperor after escaping to Fuzhou. In 1278, the 11-year-old Zhao Shi died and Zhao Bing took the throne. Under pursuit of the Yuan troops, the Song army had no more power to fight and was defeated. Together with hundreds of imperial members, Zhao Bing committed suicide by jumping into the sea, culminating in the end of the Southern Song Dynasty.

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6 BEST Places You should Visit in China

Met a lot of people in China, and when I asked them, where they have been in China, most of the answers are those five cities : "Beijing, Shanghai Shanghai travel, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hongkong"
Well, I've only lived in China for less than two years now and as an ordinary students from an average family, my income is limited to only scholarships and part-time jobs, but I could proudly say that I've traveled to at least 12 provinces in China and about 20 different cities. Some of them are because I participated in activities and programs, some of them are because some relatives or friends invited me to go with them, but most of them...I went there on my own, with one or two traveling companions.
There are a lot of wonderful places in China and it's a pity if you don't at least see some of them. Next time you have a chance to be in China, don't waste your money shopping in "Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hongkong". Instead, take out your map, buy train tickets, and go visit these places :
6. Xi'an
My Chinese teacher said that "If you have never been to Xi'an, you haven't seen the real China"
And I agree with him. If you go and visit big cities in China China tour deals, you will only see tall buildings, traffic jams, some crowded overly-commercialised fake "ancient towns", and also dark skies due to heavy pollutions. That's not the case with Xi'an. Compared to today's Beijing, Xi'an is much much smaller. As a capital for around 13 dynasties in the past, Xi'an still retain most of its ancient glory. There are a lot of historical sites around the city, ancient buildings, wonderful museums, tombs, pagodas, Terracotta Army, delicious cuisine, and most of all, The City Walls.
Do : Ride a bike atop the city walls
The taxi drivers in Xi'an is a jerk. Aside from refusing to use meter rates and giving you unreasonable prices, they could even drop you off in the street if they found another passenger with a more "beneficial" route. Try to use public bus more as Xi'an is quite a small city.
5 Xining
Chinese people call Xining "The Summer Capital". Most of hotels in this city doesn't have air conditioner. Why? Because they don't need it. Even in summer, the weather is cool, winds blowing all the time, and at night, you will need to wear blankets. There is not much to see in the city except for some mosques and islamic buildings. But if you get out from the city, you will experience the "Tibetan flavors" as Xining is the gateway to Tibetan plateau.
4. Datong
Datong is a small city located in mountainous Shanxi province. The people in this city have a very little experience with foreigners. When I visit Datong in Spring 2013, the city was under a heavy construction. Many streets are being torn up while buildings are being torn down; rubble and debris is littered all over the city. Other than the city walls, there is not much to see in the city itself. The main attractions in Datong, is not inside the city, but outside of it. The Hanging Temple is pretty impressive architecture wonder, and Yungang Grottoes is the second biggest grottoes in China, even bigger and better than Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang.
3. Guilin
Guilin Guilin tour is a beautiful city that is often portrayed in ancient Chinese paintings and poems. Surrounded by two rivers and four lakes and studded with sheer sided karst mountains, Guilin is a home to 12 ethnic minorities. Mountains, rivers, cities, and people, one in harmony. That is Guilin. There are many scenic places within short traveling distance in Guilin.
2. Harbin
Known as the "Winter Paradise", Harbin is one of the coldest place in China. Located on the bordering province with Russia, Harbin is heavily influenced by it, especially in architecture styles and foods. The weather is cool in summer, and in winter, the city hosted the annual "International Harbin Snow and Ice Festival"
1. Dunhuang
ocated on the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, Dunhuang is one of the most important city in ancient China. Today it is a small beautiful town in the Gobi Desert with population less than 200.000 people. With a rich history of over a thousand years old, Dunhuang is a great place to visit for those who wishes to experience a life in the desert.%%@af$ko&we*407

Tibet Customs - Taboos in etiquette

It is a taboo to call the name of the prestigious, the elders, monks, teachers. But add "la" after their names.

When walk outside, it is a taboo to walk in the way of others, especially of the elders, monks and teachers.

When inside a room or a tent, people should not sit cross legs, legs on all sides, in particular, on the cassions of meetings, holding ceremony or greeting guests. It is a taboo to stretch their legs pointing to others, not to mention lifting one's leg on teapot, table or other objects.

It is a taboo for some one directly takes a broom from other person's hand. When one needs to hand it over to others, one must firstly throw it to the ground, then let others pick it up themselves.

It is a taboo to make a noise when crossing mountain peak, lakes, and snow mountains as it will result in rains, snows and hails.

It is a taboo to use dirty bowls or put figures on the edge of a bowl when pouring tea and wine for guests.

Don't blow whistle indoors during the night, which may draw ghosts and nocturnal spirits home.

Don't close door heavily when guests were just gone, which means the host doesn't welcome guests.

Don't spit behind others (even not on purpose). Don't clap hands behinds.
Don't place empty bucket or pack basket and so on, in the walk way of guests, or in front of them when they come in.

Don't use bowls or cups with cracks. It is believed those objects with cracks will block fortune.

Don't present worn-out hadas to guests.

People must use both hands when carrying meals, teas, wine and hand over objects to guests, the elders, the masters, the monks, teachers and officials, otherwise it is considered as ban mannered.

When people present gifts to you, you should accept with both hands. If your hands have some dirt, you should clean them before accepting to show your respect.

tags: China travel and Tibet Tours

Tibet Religious Taboos – Kowtow

Kowtow is a traditional etiquette of Tibetan, which is practiced in worshipping Buddha sculptures, pagodas and living Buddha, sometimes also for visiting the prestigious the elderly.  There are three forms as kowtow of full length kowtow, short length kowtow and kowtowing with sound. It is common to find people practicing kowtows of full length and short length in Johkang Temple, the Potala Palace and other monasteries.

When practicing kowtows, people put palms together, old them higher than head. Then holding them from top of the head to forehead and keep still before chest, then bow three times and prostrate on ground with both hands parallel evenly on the ground, and practice it three times. Pious Buddhism can constantly practice full length kowtows from Sichuan, Yunnan, Qinghai, Gansu to Lhasa, with three steps one kowtow. Such a pilgrimage could last several years. When making a kowtow with sound, men, women, the old and the young all hold palms together first and bow to under the feet of Buddha, knocking the Buddha slightly by forehead, which means penitence.

tags: Tibet Tours and China travel

Tibet Custom - Babay Birth

On the third day after a baby was born, friends and relatives would come for celebration. The celebration activity is called Pangse. Pang means cirt and se means remove so it means the activity of removing evil spirits. Urban people bring presents such as qingke barley wine, butter tea, clothings and hats and so on for new born baby. When guests come into residence, they present a hada to the mother and the baby in swaddle. They present wine and tea to the mother and carefully look at the baby, with auspicious words and prayers.

In countryside, relatives and friends bring wine, tea as well as a Danggu (bag made of lamb leather) of zanba and a block of fresh butter, which are gifts for entrance. Following the ancient tradition, countrymen congratulate the new born baby for a healthy grown-up in the future. Guests present wine and tea to the mother, later using their thumb and point finger to pinch a bit of zanba upon the new born baby's forehead. It means praying for uprising future.

Tibetan asserts, a baby once was out of mother's embryo brought many evil spirits and dirts. Through holding the ceremony, it can remove them and celebrate the baby for a healthy growing.

It is said that pang se ceremony has developed from ancient Bon's period. In some remote countryside, Tibetans piles stones up on the morning of pang se. If a baby boy was was born, a pile of white stones will stand outside of the residence's gate. If a baby girl was born, any sort of stones is appropriate to pile up. Besides, people burn aromatic branches next to the pile of stones. People who come for celebration walk right to the gate for springkling a bit of zanba in the stone piles and burn incense before coming into the host's house. It is the way the Bon practise praying for deities.

tags:Tibet Tours and China travel

Explore the beauty of Dazhuke River Marshes in Tibet

Dazhuke River Marshes are including the middle reaches of the Yarlungzangbo River, the belt with the gentle stream velocity, a broad stretch of the river beach and marshes as well as vast stretches of the surrounding farmland. Dazhuke River Marshes could be one of the important wintering grounds and other migratory waterfowls in Tibet (you can consider Tibet Tours).

Dazhuke River Marshes is located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, about 60 kilometers to the eastern part of Xigaze as Tibet's second largest city. The area of Dazhuke River Marshes is about 16,000 hectares, with the altitude of 3,600 metres above sea level. This region contains areas which are primarily covered with wet meadow and the alpine cold meadow. Its land uses are mainly herding cattle and agriculture.


If you take a walk through a marsh in winter and the place will reveal birds' summer nesting ground nesting ground by the dozens. The wetland is also called as marshes, which is connected with the land and water. Some of the wetlands are covered and immersed with the water all year round. Some of them are dried up for weeks or months during one year.

Many plants like tall rush, the reeds and cattails are generally growing in the wetland. Wetland was such kind of place that was not quite the land, nor yet the water, which was the special dual characteristics of a wetland. Wetland with the special ecosystem structure and function, was considered as the important ecosystem on earth, and was named the "the kidney of the earth."
Dazhuke River Marshes had the altitude of 3600 meters above sea level. Dazhuke River Integrated Nature Landscape Protect Region is located in the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley, which belongs to the vast prairie region of the Qinghai-Xizang plateau. To the south of Dazhuke River Marshes is the separation of the lofty mountains and rivers, with the high and precipitous mountains, while the northern face of Dazhuke River Marshes (consider it for your China tour deals) is somewhat flat.

There had developed numerous rivers that flow into the Yarlung Zangbo River from north to south. Owning to the flat valley and the sluggish stream, the riverbed is swinging frequently. The lowest parts of the flood plain may form "back-swamps." The fluviatile flood-plain and the old riverbed on each bank of the river as well as a swampy stretch of lowlands had developed the swamps.
Large areas of the surface near the Dazhuke River Marshes are the alluvial deposits. The water supply of the swamps is mainly the water of the river. The main soil types are meadow swamping, followed by swamping meadow soil. The swamps with mild weather are as flat as a pancake, which is very suitable for growing and developing the crops.
Dazhuke River Marshes
People had opened up a great number of farmland near the swamps. In the fringes of the swamps and high land had the moistened surface and the seasonal backwater section where had developed the swamping meadow. The swamps area is rich in the waterfowls, with more plentiful wading black-necked cranes.

tags: Tour China

Get to know Unique Marriage Customs of Sanjiang Dong Minority during Chinese New Year

Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County is situated in north of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It has several traditional Dong minority villages and is home to the largest population of Dong people in China. The beautiful natural scenery and rich folk customs have made Sanjiang County a hot tourist spot to get to know the Dong ethnic group. Dong featured attractions of wind and rain bridges, drum towers, and houses are commonly seen. What’s more interesting are the rich folk customs and various festivals local Dong people have China tour deals.

Festivals of the Dong minority like Duoye Festival, Firecracker’s Festival, and Bullfight Festival are very popular. Also there are many customs that are unique and interesting, especially those customs that Dong people have when celebrating the Chinese New Year. During the Chinese New Year, what attracts people most is the marriage custom which has become a major attraction for tourists due to its grand scene and unique rituals.
Most of the young people of Dong minority marry during the Chinese New Year. A marriage usually starts with the mysterious “steal bride marriage” when the groom invite several close friends to visit the bride’s house and ‘steal’ the bride back to his home at Chinese New Year Eve. Then the groom and bride will have their wedding at the second day of Chinese New Year.
The highlight of the local marriage custom comes the third day of Chinese New Year. It is called Huimen and it is the grandest ceremony of a Dong wedding. Huimen means escorting the bride return to her mother’s home at the next day of the wedding. During Huimen, the groom is not allowed to accompany the bride but his relatives and friends will carry wedding gifts like sour fish, sour pork, sour duck, sticky rice and other local food to escort the bride and parade to her parents’ home. The bride will walk behind of the group with a cloth in her hand so that people could recognize her as the bride. The bridesmaid is a girl from the groom’s village but she is not allowed to enter the bride’s parents’ home when they arrived and has to go back home immediately China tour packages.

On the way to the bride’s parent’s home, the group usually choose routes where have many people. Every village they pass through, they will set off firecrackers to show good luck. When arrived, the bride’s parents will make tea for every guests, which is called wedding tea. In the evening, an activity called ‘Zuoye’ will be held when the unmarried youth from both the groom’s and bride’s village sitting together to chat and see if they will find their future partners.
The Chengyang Scenic Area that has the famous Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge is renowned for the group wedding held during the Chinese New Year. When there are more than 50 brides parading to their parents’ home with a large crowd of people, the scene is really exciting and interesting.

Besides the marriage custom, Dong people also have many other activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The “Thieves Driving Festival”, Lusheng Singing Competition, and Hundred-Family Banquet are very popular activities during the Chinese New Year. To get to know and experience the unique folk customs of Dong Minority, do not miss the opportunity to Sanjiang during Chinese New Year.
tags: Tour of China

Culture insider: Prettiest Chinese combs

An ivory comb from the Dawenkou culture was discovered in Tai'an, Shandong province Luxury China tour packages, in 1959. The Dawenkou culture (4300-2500 BC) lived in the late Neolithic period of Shandong province, China.

In ancient China China Travel Destinations, hair was called "threadlike things of troubles". Thus Buddhist monks shave their heads completely. Combs arrange hair, so people regard them as a way to clear their troubled minds. Combs also mean "smooth and prosper", therefore combs represent people's good wishes.

As one of the traditional handicrafts in China, the Chinese comb has a history over thousands of years. In Chinese, combs are also called "Shubi", which includes "Shu" (comb) and "Bi"(fine-toothed comb China business tour).
Mainly made from bamboo, wood and animal bones, with the development of society, the combs are decorated in various ways, and feature colorful patterns and pictures of historical figures, landscapes, birds, animals, opera characters and so forth.
tags: Tour in China


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Xian Travel Destination - Huaqing Palace Heritage Site

If you are very interested in the history of China, especially about how the emperors lived their lives, come to Xian. As the ancient capital of six dynasties in ancient China, this is the perfect place to explore the history of China. Huaqing Chi, also known as the Huaqing Pools or also known as Huaqing Palace.

As the treasure land in ancient times, it has enjoyed a very high prestige for thousand years. Emperors from different dynasties all took Huaqing palace as their leisure place, they spared no effort to build spectacular palace or hot spring place here. According to the ancient literature and some evidence from archaeologists, Huaqing palace has a history of 6000 years on hot spring and 3,000 years on royal palace construction.
Huaqing Palace (an optional destination for affordable China tours) make the best of the landscape during the construction, with hot spring palace as its center, plus pines trees forests and pavilions with different uses, Lichi garden, Pear garden, Eastern garden and others, forming a most spectacular palace construction group in ancient China. Many famous ancient Chinese poets also mentioned the beauty of Huaqing palace in their poems. In winter, they would use the circulation of hot spring water inside the wall to keep warm, when it snowed the snowflakes would turn into frost once it fell onto the wall, therefor it's also called the Flying Frost Palace.

On the front gate of Huaqing Palace, there is a plank board with its name, written by a famous Chinese poet called Guo Moruo. Stepping inside, two tall pine trees come into the sight, with two palace-like buildings sitting on both sides. On its back there is Nine Dragon Lake.The water is smooth and clear, with the shadows from the pavilion on the shore, looking all beautiful and peaceful.

One of the highlights of Huaqing Palace is the bathing pools, each of them are carefully designed for different uses. Lotus Pool is for an emperor called Xuanzong in Tang dynasty, covering an area of 400 square meters. At the bottom, there is a pair of 30cm long water inlet with the shape of lotus, symbolizing the love of the emperor and his concubine. How romantic is that during your China travel! Firstly built in 747 A.D, Begonia Pool is also called High-ranking concubine pool, with the shape of a begonia flower in full blossom . It was built for the favorite concubine of the emperor called Yang Guifei.

If you think the Pear Garden is a garden full of pear trees, you are way wrong. As a matter of fact, Pear Garden(Li yuan) is a traditional Chinese opera house (consider it for your China Holidays). It is also the first imperial music and art school in ancient China. At the best times of Tang Dynasty, emperor Xuanzong loved to watching operas and imperial dancing here. He was also good at music, together with Yang Guifei, they created a ton of nice songs.

Must-sees for Tibet travel

If you never ever take the initial to go out for travel and adventure, you’ll never know how many surprises are waiting for you during the journey. Whatever you want from your travel, a trip to the remote yet sacred Tibet will surely meet all your needs. If you are in the right place at the right time, do take the chance to travel to the remarkable Tibet.
In Tibet (learn more about this place via Tibet tour), you will appreciate and get the most marvelous scenery ever. There are many spectacular Buddhist monasteries with devout pilgrims and sacred circuits. There are vast prairies dotted with crystal alpine lakes and decorated with magnificent mountains. There are mystical and generous Tibetan people with their unique culture. All these highlights from the spiritual and peaceful Tibet will bring you unforgettable experience and memories.
Here let’s get through a list of top spectacular tourist sites that you should not miss out when travel to Tibet.

Namtso Lake
The Namtso that means ‘Heavenly Lake’ in Tibetan is located in 240 kilometers north of Lhasa (must-see in Lhasa for China vacation deals). Being the highest saltwater lake in the world with an altitude of 4,700 meters and the second largest saltwater in China, Namtso is especially noted for its untouched beauty. Its integrated vista of the crystal blue water joined by the clear sky and the gorgeous Nyenchen Tanglha in the north is really captivating.

Ghading Valley
Ghading Valley is located in Baiyi Town of Nyinchi. The Ghading Valley is featured with typical valley landform that has precipitous mountains and steep cliffs. Because of its mild climate, the valley is covered with lush vegetation and wild flowers are scattered in the bottom of the valley. What’s exciting at Ghading Valley is the Heaven Buddha Waterfall hanging at the left cliff of the valley. The waterfall has a fall of 200 meters and its scenery is very impressive. What’s mystical is the flickering Buddha among the waterfall and this is how the Heaven Buddha Waterfall got its name. When looking up to the sky from the bottom among the intricate mountains, your imagination will be ignited. What amazing vista you will see, it depends on how far your imagination will go.

Ranwu Lake
The Ranwu Lake lying on the 318 National Highway has stunning beauty and it is a turquoise attracting numerous tourists there. The essence of Ranwu Lake lies in its crystal-blue water and tranquility. But the Ranwu Lake is also poetic. Extra colors and charms are provided by the surrounding green grassland and snow peaks. Also the forests, blue sky and soft clouds, the colorful prayer flags, and the dotted nomad’s tents and yaks, all these bring the awe-inspiring scenery.

Basum Lake
Basum Lake is a popular tourist site in Nyingchi. It is renowned for its lush vegetation and extreme clearness. The water in the lake is quite blue and you can see the bottom of the lake easily. You will see fishes swimming in the water, sand gulls, white cranes, and other water-birds flying across the lake. Together with the reflection of the encircled snow-covered mountains and virgin forests, especially the colorful flowers in spring and red leaves in autumn, Basum Lake gets its most highlighted scenery during your China Holidays.

Yanjing
Yanjing is a mystical destination in southeast Tibet. In ancient times, Yanjing was the road from Yunnan to Tibet. Now it is the only place in Tibet that has Catholics and Catholic Church. In Yanjing, Naxi people of Dongba, local Tibetans of Buddhism, and Catholics live a harmonious life. Besides the beautiful natural scenery and mysterious local culture, the unique landscape of salt pans in Yanjin is another attraction.

Midui Glacier
The Midui Glacier that is located in Bomi County of Nyingchi in Tibet is one of the six most beautiful glaciers in China. Being the lowest glacier in the world, Midui Glacier attracts tourists there for its giant and pure fascinating glaciers in different shapes. But it is not alone. Here natural features of grand canyons, snow mountains, forests, and lakes are found to add charms to the glaciers. Also villages and diversified biology of wild animals add some vigor to the striking scenery of Midui Glacier.
tags: China trips

The brief introduction of Tibet festival - Saga Dawa Festival

The forth month of Tibetan Calendar is called Saga Dawa Festival. As legend depicts, Lord Sakyamuni was born in Lumbini in the Saga Dawa Mounth of iron monkey year of Tibetan calendar. On the fifteenth day of Saga Dawa month, Lord Sakyamuni facing east meditated on straw under a giant bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, subdued evil ghosts at nightfall and acquired enlightenment in dawn. On day fifteen of Saga Dawa month of iron dragon yaer, Lord Sakyamuni became the Buddha, the final words in Deer park of Benares city was that suffering is an inherent part of existence; that the origin of sufferign is ignorance and the main symptoms of that ignorance are attachment and craving; that attachment and craving can be ceased, and that following the Noble Eightfold Path will lead to the cessation of attachment and craving and therefore suffering. Tibetan folk takes this month as great creator, so massive people and monks will hold religious activities in the month. To follow this tradition, most people, not to mention monks are refrained from killing and are pious to prayer a half month ahead of Saga Dawa.

In Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Monastery and Paba Lakang of Potala Palace (must-see for Tibet Travel), thousands of offerings are respectively put and all main Buddha sculptures are coated with gold powder and offered butter lamps. On the morning of the fifteenth day, the first thing for pilgrims to do is to present hadas and fill lamp oil to Buddha Sakyamuni, and three compassionate Buddha of Jokhang Temple and Ramoche Monastery. Later, they will follow the ring of prayer. They will walk by Chapori, Norbulinka, Dyikyi Linka and Potala Palace before arriving at the dragon's pool in the noon. Pilgrims practise prayer during the way while burning incense on the mani stones paaed by. They follow traditions and give donation to beggars. Pilgrims who have carried tea and wine will take yak skin boat to enjoy boating in the noon. Langmas will perfom singing and dancing to increase the happy atmosphere. After boating, pilgrims continue to follow their prayer route.

tags: China trip

Get to know Grand Summons and Lantern Festival in Tibet

Get to know Grand Summons and Lantern Festival in Tibet

Grand summons ceremony was established by Tsongkhaba of Gelugpa secct in the year of 1409. It originally was a prayer ceremony set for commemoration of Sakyamuni subdued evil ghosts.

During Grand Summons Festival, monks assemble in Lhasa. They chant scriptures for prayer and debate on scriptures, and obtain the title of Geshe Lharampa. Devout pilgrims will come to fill lamp oil, worship Buddha and give donation to monks.


On Jannuary, 15th, Sakyamuni finally "conquered", or converted six holy men of false religions at a place in Tibet near border with India. Living Buddha and the monks of the Three Great Monastery of Tibet hold a grand player ceremony pushing it to climax. By the nightfall, flower shelves are put up in Backhor streets of Lhasa. Some can reach three storey high, and the lowest is around two story high. Colorful sculptures of figures, flowers, birds and animals all made of butter, are display in the flower shelves, suspended in air while others are made with moving pans as three dimensional scroll. Ass these, and thousands of twitter butter lamps togethers make the streets splendid.

The artistic image characterizes mankind's pursuit for beauty. Urban people rush into the streets to appreciate the lighting of the "butter lamps", and farmers from the suburbs floct to the front of lamps. They dance and sing throughout the night.

tags: China Holidays and Tibet tour

What is Onkor Festival?

This is a festival when Tibetans celebrating harvest. "On" in Tibetan means fields, "kor" means circle around. Onkor means circle around fields. The festival is popular in all farming areas, no fixed date, generally it is celebrated when the crops ripen.

Onkor Festival, with a history over 1500 years was primitively popular in the middle and lower reaches of Yarlung Tsangpo valley. The activity of Onkor, at the beginning, was a sacrifice ritual to deity spirits for praying a bumper harvest. Usually it was organized in units of a village and headed by wizard of Bon religion who received spirits of earth to do a circle around its field. At the end of the eighth century, Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism was prevailing. Onkor Festival affected by Nyingmapa's ritual was imperative to have incantation to pray for a harvest. Since forteenth century, Gelugpa sect had dominated power in Tibet so Onkor Festival has adopted Gelugpa's ritual as they would hold Buddha sculptures and chant scriptures before parade. From then on, Onkor Festval became a fixed a Tibetan Festival. Horse racing, archery, and performance of Tibetan operas had been gradually added to the activities of the Festival. For the time being, men, women, young and old all dressed in their new clothes, carrying a harvest tower made of qingke barley and grain particles, playing drums and singing to circle around their fields to celebrate it. On this very day, besides horse racing, archery, singing and dancing, people also have picnics in suburbs.

tags: Tibet Tours and Trips to China

Wonderful Travel Experience to Ruins of St.Paul's in Macau

When it comes to traveling in Macau, you can tons of nice places to go. Normally you might want to come to a place that speaks for this amazing city the best, come to Ruins of St .Paul's and make your trip an unforgettable one. The name of Ruins of St. Paul, short for Ruinas da Antiga Catedral de S. Paulo, is originated from the Portuguese "São Paulo". Located in Paotai mountain of Macau, one of the two Special Administrative Regions of China.
I have heard people in Macau are kind, nice and hospitable. If you l were lost on the street during your China trip in Macau, feel free to ask someone from the local and they would always try their very best to help you. As the most renowned historical relics, the front gate of the Saint Paul cathedral firstly built in the year of 1580. It witnessed good and worse of the city. When Portuguese invaded Macau in 400 years ago, they also brought Catholicism. A missionary called Matteo Ricci presented a map of ten thousands countries to the Chinese government, with notes in Chinese.
Designed by a priest from Italia and built by exquisite Japanese architecture technique, the look of Ruins of St.Paul is a perfect mix of European Renaissance Period and Oriental architectural style.The Ruins of St. Paul is about 27 meters high, with 23.5 meters in width, and five layers in total. On the top stands a cross with bronze pigeon symbolizing the holy spirit, wrapped with the sun, the moon and stars. So don't miss it for your affordable China tours.
Under the pigeon, there is a holy child, with statue of the Eternal Fire on the top left and carvings of Tree of Life on the top right. When it comes to the third layer, a statue of Virgin Mary is sitting right in the middle, with peony and chrysanthemum around, one symbolizing for China, the other for Japan. It is such a great work of art, beautiful statues and carvings are all over it.The beauty of the Ruins of St. Paul is way beyond words, the perfect thing to do is stand in front of it, admiring it and taking it all in. Too bad we don't have a chance to see it's original look, the look before it was damaged by two huge fires. Must be awesome.
Walking along the Ruins of St.Paul during your holidays in China from the right, there is a small 50-meters long street with a romantic name-the Lovers Alley. The name is from Portuguese "Travessa da Paixão", "travessa" means encounter and "Paixão" means crush and affection. With a history of more than 80 years, it has become a popular hang-out place for lovers. It is also a great spot for movie-shooting. Rumors has it that whoever passes by the Lovers alley would fall in love very soon.The buildings on both sides are all built with European style, taking a walk inside the valley would give you this illusion you are in some small town in Europe.

Learn Tibetan Festival - Horse Race & Archery Festival

Horse race and archery competition are favored sports fo Tibetans, which has been popularized in large areas of agriculture and pasture. It has been a fixed festival for five hundred years, originated from Gyantse area. As Gyantse King Raodan Gongsang pa in his reign, he resumed the memorial ritual for his grandfather from April10 to 27 and gave a decree of beginning recreation from Arpil 28. Later in the year of 1447, Tashi Raodan Gongsang Pa began his reign. A recreation activity of archery on a horse back was added. And the Gyantse Dhama Festival was officially for med.

In the middle of 17th century, religious ceremony became symolic and contest of archery on horse back was important part of the Festival, which often lasted three days. From 15th century, archery on horse back has spreaded over the areas, of Lhasa, Qiangtang, Gongbu. In Lhasa, it started after the Grand Summon Ceremony at the beginning of the new year, which would last four days. Now the most famous one is horse race festval in Damshung in North Tibet which starts from the end of July to early Auguse. The moust famous is Dangmu jiren in Qiangtang grasslands, which lasts five to seven days. Like Gyantse Dhama Festival, it began with a simple religious ritual, then examing horses and followed by a contest of horse race and archery. People of the area is majority take advantage of the festival to do barter business, which composes an important part of the Festival.


tags: Tibet Tours and China Holidays

What to see in China in Jan.

The Chinese New Year is coming soon in February, January is the coldest month in Northern of China, if you are interested in ice and snow, Beijing, Harbin and Jilin Tourist Destinations is the first choice. You can experience great winter scenery and ski resorts in northern China, If you are looking for warm destination in china, Hot cities: Hong Kong, ShenZhen, Guangzhou...etc.
1: Harbin - Yabuli International Ski Resort
January is the best time to travel to Harbin due to the cold weather, Yabuli International Ski Resort Yabuli Ski Resort is situated in Harbin of Heilongjiang Province and has the reputation for being the best ski resort in China. Changbaishan Wanda International Resort Within Wanda International Resort is Asia’s best facilitated ski resort, Skiing is another popular activity. There are several ski resorts around Harbin, and the top three are Yabuli Ski Center, Erlongshan Ski Resort, and Jihua Ski Resort. You can consider these destination during your Harbin Vacation
If you are interested in skiing, Harbin destinations is an ideal place. There are several ski resorts around Harbin: Ice and Snow World, Stalin Park, and Yabuli Ski Resort. But our recommendations are skiing at and enjoying hot springs at Badaling, and Shijinglong Ski Resort (one of the best ski resorts in China), and having fun on the frozen lake in Xiadu Park.
2: Beijing - Nanshan Ski Resort
Nanshan Ski Resort The Nanshan Ski Resort first opened its doors to ski lovers in 2001 and has since been one of the largest ski resorts in northern China. The ski resort currently has 21 trails suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers.
The best period to visit the rice terraces lasts from December to March (when the rice terraces are irrigated but without crops), and January is the best month. In January the weather is stable, with bright sunshine in the daytime and thick fog in the early morning. Seas of clouds on the terraces are most likely to be seen in January. And you can see the special red rice terraces due to the red duckweed in the water.
3: Lijiang - Jade Dragon Mountain Ski Resort
Jade Dragon Mountain Ski Resort The Jade Dragon Mountain Ski Resort is the highest ski resort situated 4,700 meters above sea level. Although the mountains are covered in snow all year round the prime season is from November until May. The scenery from the mountain is absolutely amazing and you can have a complete view of Lijiang from the resort’s ski slopes and not to mention after the skiing is done you can make time to explore the magical and ancient Lijiang.
Different from many famous Ski Resort, the Jade Dragon Mountain Ski Resort has breathtaking views of a pure white world. The famous scene "the seas of cloud" is more likely to be seen in winter. And the sunrises and sunsets on the mountains are very splendid. You can enjoy the scenery by yourself most of the time, unlike in the overcrowded summer.
4: Chengdu - Xiling Snow Mountain Resort
Xiling Snow Mountain Resort in Chengdu (must-see for China Sichuan Tours) is famed for its alpine ski slopes and opens for the ski season in December. The resort has gained the name “The Oriental Alps” and remains one of the most popular destinations for skiing. Xiling resort has 7 international ski trails for skiers who love a challenge and attracts visitors from across the globe with its ideal scenery.
Skiing is another main tourist theme in Chengdu City, and the best ski resorts are Xiling Snow Mountain Resort. You can also discover ethnic culture in Chengdu as it's one of the key cities of the Manchu minority.
5: Warm Destinations in January Hongkong, Macau, Shenzhen, Guangzhou...
In these modern cities, the sales promotions last from December to January due to Christmas Day and Chinese New Year. You can travel to Hong Kong or Shenzhen with your shopping list and enjoy a bountiful and delightful shopping tour in January, Top 10 Hong Kong tours Packages, pls check our Hong Kong Tours page, For a great experience of the city its best to check out our Hong Kong travel guide section or check out some of our best Hong Kong tours packages.
tags: China trips

What is Linka Festival of Tibet?

Tibetan is fond of nature. In appliance with plateau climate, environment and living conditions, they've developed a nationwide custom, namely Linka Festivals, family members all gather together for a picnic and joy in wide open meadows with river and elegant environment. From May 1st to May 15th of Tibetan calendar, Tibetans leave the residence for a link with dense shrub. They put up tents, fully enjoy the benediction of nature. On May 15th of Tibetan Calendar in the day of burning incense worldwide which named zenlingisang as a memorial to all deities.

It is said that in May of monkey year, Padmasambbava subdued all devils in Tibet and this is the origin of that day. Another legend described sesong Dhezan (from 754AD TO 797AD, the fifth king of Tubo Kingdom) failed to build Samye Monastery again and again due to bad lucks. Padmasamb therefore created rituals of burning incense and chant scriptures, then all the evils gradually dispeared. And, the Samye Monastery was then built successfully. Afterwards, people choose an auspicious day of full moon in May to hold grand ritual of burning incense as a memorial of the custom. In addition, May 15th of Tibetan calendar is the peak of Linka Festival in which Tibetans all dressed up bringing butter tea, qingke barley wine and all sorts of delicious foods to enjoy Linka Festival.

tags: Tibet Tours and China Holidays

An optional destinations for Lijiang travel

Yuhu Village and the Former Residence of Dr. Joseph Rock

In the neighborhood of Jade Peak Monastery, we find this simple Naxi village. Dr. Joseph Rock (1884-1962), an Ausro-America botanist and explorer who lived here off and on from 1922 to 1949, is the best remembered for the introduction of innimerable plant species to the West and his rigorous works on Naxi ethnology.

Yak Meadow and Spruce Meadow on the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Both are plateau meadows in the Jade Snow Mountains that are surrounded by spruce and pines. Chair lifts provide transportation to each meadow, where a panoramic view of the snow-clad mountains is gorgeous for your China trip.

Lashi Lake & Wetland

At an elevation of 2,500 meters, the Lashi Lake & Wetland is not only the primary water supply to a large downstream population, but also the habitat for 198 bird species, 77 of which are migratory shorebirds inclusive of the endangered black-necked crane. Horse riding, boating and winter bird watching from late Nov to Feb are the major activities here.


First Bend of the Yangtze River
The Stone Drum Town stands at the First Bend of the Yangtze River (the view along the banks is very fantastic and you can enjoy it during your Yangtze River tour), some 70 kilometers west of Lijiang. Approaching to Stone Drum offers a dramatic view of the Yangtze's near-180-degree turn, where the wide, swift waters perform a miraculous about-face. For nearly 20 kilometers, the river, first flowing south, the north, runs parallel to itself. Locals say if it were not for their village standing guard at the bend, China would lose the water of the Yangtze to Southeast Asia, like that of the adjacent Mekong and Salween Rivers.

tags: China Holidays

Top Recommended Destinations in China for 2015

As you know, China is an old country with 5,000 years of civilization/history,also is a large tourist country, there have many boast numerous attractions, historical sites: beijing and xi'an, cultural sites: shanghai, shenzhen, guangdong, From the overwhelming Forbidden City and world-renowned Great Wall in Beijing, impressive Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xian, Drepung Monastery in lhasa, prosperous Bund in metropolitan Shanghai, majestic Yangtze River (along the banks you can witness the fantastic view during your Yangtze River tour), to captivating water-town in Suzhou, Hong Kong Disneyland, ancient Lijiang Old Town and mysterious Tibet. Such top attractions in China are all what you can not miss in a fantastic Browse the following popular China tourist attractions and click for information.

Here are five destinations we think will be particularly popular in 2015

Beijing’s Great Wall - historical sites

Beijing is referred to as China’s top city for tourism in many pass years, and the Great Wall of China is the greatest attraction in internationally, here,we recommend some popular tourist route about Great Wall, you can enjoy fresh air, exercise, and world-class sightseeing at once.

Shanghai's Wai Tan — The Bund - Most modern city

Shanghai is one of China's most famous cities, it offere a souring skyline, and the cream of China's modern marvels. The Bund destinations is one of the symbols of Shanghai (learn more about it via Shanghai travel guide) which located along the Huangpu River. It usually refers to the buildings and wharves on this section of the road.

Terracotta Warriors (Xi'An) - china's ancient city 

Xi'an city is the ancient city, and which is considered the cradle of Chinese civilization, if you want to touch the amazing ancient Chinese glorious history and brilliant culture, Xi'an Tours is top Things to Do.

Lhasa - Tibet - Land Closest to Heaven

Tibet is one of the most fascinating destinations in China and for many tourists visiting, Lhasa (must-see for Tibet Travel) is the capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region. In Tibetan language the name means "the land of the gods". It is a holy religious place with an altitude at about 3,000 meters


Guilin - The most beautiful place in china

Guilin is a first tourist destination when traveling to China, it is a true tourist city With its unique natural landscape featured by green mountains, crystal-clear rivers, bewitching caves, and fascinating rocks, Guilin has many natural wonders to enjoy and explore during your Guilin tour.

Helpful Tibetan Customs for Tibet Travel - Drinking Wine & Dining

Drinking Wine

With enriched ceremonies and eiquettes of drinking in Tibet (learn more Tibet via Tibet Travel), new wine should be firstly toasted to Buddha in fresh. After it, should to toast to the elders in the family as the elders priority in tradition before other family members drink it. When drinking in festivals, wedding ceremony or public gathering, people usually toast to prestigious elders before toast to others in clockwise. One who proposes a toast should carry wine cup with both hands to whom he toasts to particular to the elders. People who accept the wine cup use both hands too, the right way is to hold it by right hand first, dip the ring finger of left into wine and flick it up three times before drinking. Flick wine up three times is praying for Tritatna, namely Buddha.


Don't drink it out at once while drinking, however follow the rule of three sips and one cup. Guests flick wine to toast for Buddha first before taking sip and then the cup is going to be refilled up. People accepting the toast should drink wine out when wine cup refilled up for the third time. It shows the ultimate sincerity to the person who proposes the toast.

Dining

Dining custom in Tibet is quite perculiar too. As the host and guests are seated in certain positions, they pick up food from the table placed in front of them and eat separately. Tibetan cuisine includes dried meat, cheese cake, cake, ginseng fruit cake, dried yak meat, spicy oxtrip, sausage, stewed mutton stew, lamb's head stew and so on. Staple food includes: butter, zanba, steamed cake with cheese, Tibetan steamed cake, Tibetan dumplings, noodles and deep fried refreshments. With tastes of mild and light, Tibetan food culture features a sense of nature.


There are many Tibetan restautants of different levels in cities and towns through Tibet. Decorations of these ones, are more or less in Tibetan style. Wooden tables shaped as dog hoop, steel stoves, china bowls, with a pattern of bkra-shis-rtags-brgyad, Tibetan carpet, auspicious figures and frescoes are all embodiments of spiritual pursuits of Tibetan.

tags: China Holidays